5 Reasons Artists Should Go to Music Festivals -- And a few of our favorites to add to your calendar

It’s coming up on festival season, that time of year when almost any weekend you can find music on a stage at a street corner, whether the occasion is celebrating strawberries, watermelons, state fairs or just music itself.

Any festival provides a chance to experience new music and rock out with other music lovers in a relaxed environment. But here at Madison Records we’re partial to music festivals. All music, all the time, is definitely where it’s at.

Whether you’re lucky enough to be on the line-up or if you’re just attending as a fan, there are plenty of benefits for artists to attending music festivals. Here are our top five reasons for spending a weekend outside, soaking up some rays and listening to a few tunes.

1. Exposure. It might take a lot of networking, hard work and patience, but it’s highly likely at some point you will get the chance to be part of a line-up at a music festival. One of the biggest benefits of performing is the exposure you get from that one performance. Festivals are different from concerts, where people pay to come see a band they more than likely already know. At festivals there are crowds of people there who likely haven’t even heard of you. This is your chance to get your music out in front of a whole new audience.

2. Networking. The exposure that comes from a festival goes way beyond the audience that hears you play. Even if you aren’t on the line-up, you can take full advantage of networking at a music festival. The crowd is sure to have music influencers, agents, producers and members of the media, all of whom are interested in widening their own network of artists. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the people you’re sitting next to during a band break or standing in line behind at the food truck. You never know when that other guy in the ball cap is actually a producer looking for new talent.

3. Connect with Fans. It’s not just the movers and shakers of the industry who show up at festivals. The majority of people there are purely music fans. Take advantage of the opportunity to observe what people like and don’t like, what they respond to, and what they’re talking about as they take in the sights and sounds of the festival.

4. Get a Creativity Boost. One of the great things about a music festival is the opportunity to experience a wide variety of music. Even if you’re at a genre-oriented event, like a Blues or Rock festival, the sheer number of bands invited to take part ensures a good range of types of music on stage. It’s a great place to find inspiration for your own work. Beyond the music, you’re sure to spark your creative juices through the many conversations you have with other artists and music fans in attendance.

5. The Music Itself. Sure, there are plenty of reasons to attend a music festival to boost your own career as a performing artist. But one of the best reasons to go is for the music itself. Slather on the sunscreen, pack up some snacks, and get yourself out to this summer’s music scene. After dealing with two years of COVID-19 restrictions, we’re all ready to enjoy some live music!

Check Out These Festivals

Atlanta Blues Festival
April 16
Six different blues legends perform at the Cobb Energy Centre.

Shaky Knees Music Festival
April 29-May 1
Green Day, Nine Inch Nails and My Morning Jacket are just a few of the bands that will be taking over Atlanta’s Central Park. The festival features more than 60 bands, ranging from well-known to up-and-coming artists.

Sweetwater 420
April 29-May 1
Olympic Park transforms into a music mecca for a weekend full of rockin’ out. Over 40 bands are on the line-up, including Umphrey’s McGee, Oysterhead and String Cheese Incident.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
June 16-19
Not too far from our neck of the woods, Manchester, Tennessee plays host to a weekend full of music and much more. More than 150 musicians perform across 10 stages. Throughout the event there are other activities including yoga, art experiences, parades and a water slide.

AthFest
June 24-26
Local bands take the spotlight at this famous Athens, Georgia festival. More than 100 acts will perform over the weekend, at outdoor stages as well as in various clubs. Everything outdoors is free!